1.Participation Conditions:

  • The competition will be held in Istanbul between April 19 – 20, 2025.
  • The competition is open to all pianists aged 5-24 who do not pursue professional music education in Turkey or abroad.
  • Participants must not be full-time students at any private or state conservatory.
  • Competitors will be divided into the following categories based on their age groups:
    • Category A: 5-8 years old
    • Category B: 9-11 years old
    • Category C: 12-14 years old
    • Category D: 15-17 years old
    • Category E: 18-24 years old
  • The participant’s age is calculated according to the first day of the competition.
  • Each participant can only compete in their respective age category.

2.Repertoire:

  • Each participant must perform a repertoire of their choice within the time limits suitable for their age group:
    • Category A: Maximum 3 minutes
    • Category B: Maximum 5 minutes
    • Category C: Maximum 6 minutes
    • Category D: Maximum 8 minutes
    • Category E: Maximum 10 minutes
  • Te choice of repertoire is left to the participant, and it is encouraged to include a piece preferably from the classical, romantic, or contemporary periods. This preference does not provide additional points.
  • Performing from memory is not mandatory; however, performances played from memory can provide additional scoring benefits by enhancing musical expression potential.
  • If the participant qualifies for the final concert, they must perform one of the pieces indicated on their application form.
  • If the participant exceeds the specified time, their performance may be interrupted by the jury.

3.Application Documents:

  • Copy of ID card or passport
  • Passport-size photo
  • Application form
  • Sheet music of the performed pieces
  • Payment receipt

4.Competition Stag:

  • The competition consists of a single round. Participants will compete by performing live on the designated date and time.
  • All performances will be evaluated by a professional jury panel based on the following criteria.

5.Jury and Evaluation Criteria:

  • The competition jury comprises professional musicians recognized at national and international levels with significant professional achievements in the field of music. In addition to their artistic careers, these musicians are distinguished by their deep knowledge of music disciplines. The jury also includes educators with long-standing experience in music education, known for their academic titles and significant contributions to the educational aspects of music. These professionals will evaluate each participant’s performance in detail and objectively, combining artistic and pedagogical perspectives.
  • Evaluation criteria are as follow:

  • Technical Proficiency (30 Points)

  1. Pianists’ technical skills, accuracy in notes, rhythm, and tempo.
  2. Finger positioning, touch, proper use of pedals, and overall piano control.

  • Musical Expression (30 Points)

  1. Emotional depth of the pieces, musical interpretation power, and originality of the performance.
  2. Successful use of tempo changes and nuances.

  • Repertoire Compatibility (20 Points)

  1. The difficulty level of the selected pieces relative to the participant’s age and technical skills.
  2. Repertoire diversity (Selected repertoire should include works from different periods and styles, demonstrating musical variety).

  • Stage Presence and Communication (20 Points)

  1. Confidence, posture, body language, and communication with the audience on stage.
  2. Professionalism and attitude on stage.
  3. Although technical proficiency is a criterion, the evaluation considers that participants are not professionals.
  4. Jury members will not score their own students; other jury members will evaluate such participants.
  5. The jury’s decision is final, and no objections to the results are accepted.
  • The organizing committee reserves the right to make changes to the specification when it deems necessary.
  • Participants in this competition will be deemed to have accepted all conditions of participation.

6.Payment Information:

  • Competition Participation Fee: 3.600 TL (VAT Included)
  • Account Name: Unicon Mice Congress Tourism Tourism Organization Hiz.Tic.Ltd.Şti.
  • Bank VAKIFBANK
  • IBAN: TR34 0001 5001 5800 7345 6463 70
  • Payment Description: Please include the phrase “Competition Fee” along with your full name in the payment description.
  • Refund Policy: Once the application process is completed, participants who are unable to attend for any reason will not be eligible for a refund.
  • Travel and Accommodation: All travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the participants.

For transportation and accommodation, please visit this link.

Transportation

Accommodation